Wildfire alert after dry weather

The dry weather has triggered a warning from the Scottish Wildfire Forum

Published:12:32Monday 27 March 2017

Share this article

The increased risk of wildfire across many parts of Scotland through the extremely dry conditions brought a warning over the weekend.

Members of the public were urged by the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) to take extra care when out and about in the countryside.

Michael Bruce, vice-chair of the group, said: “At the start of spring there is often a lot of dead vegetation leftover from last year.

“This fuel can dry out quickly when there is overnight frost, followed by sunny days with higher temperatures and lower humidity levels.”

It is the now the time of year when the risk of wildfire is at its highest and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is already working closely with land managers and appealing to tourists and communities to help reduce the number of outbreaks.